2 
no purpose; before the ship came round to the wind., she grounded. All 
hands were summoned upon deck and set to work; and upon sounding, we found 
that we had touched on a coral bank. I now ordered the guns and the heaviest 
articles that had been stowed on the booms, to be thrown overboard; but 
with such precaution that they might be recovered, should circumstances admit. 
The ship being thus lightened, we succeeded by day-light 
16th in getting her into deep water; when we perceived, at the distance 
of about a mile, a small low island to the west-north-west, and to south by 
west some high rocks that were beaten upon by a most tremendous surf, though 
the sea around was as smooth as glass. Not witstanding our perilous 
situation, this sight greatly pleased us, and the crew all exerted them¬ 
selves with alacrity. We were hardly however afloat, waiting for the ship’s 
master, who had gone in a boat to sound, when a sudden squall came on, and 
drove us again on a more dangerous bank than the former one. The sea heaved 
greatly, and the ship struck continually against the ground with violence. 
This obliged me to throw overboard cabe^Ls, anchors, and every heavy article 
however necessary. I had even determined to cut away the mast, should we 
be so unfortunate as not to get into deep water before night. This, however, 
with excessive labour, was effected. Though the ship was still in a critical 
situation, it was absolutely necessary to give rest to my people; and 
providentially a perfect calm reigned during the time, or we must all have 
perished. 
17 th At day-light, the weather being fine, we again w^zfrped forwards; 
and shortly after I dispatched half my crew in search of the different articles 
we had thrown into the sea; and to my great satisfaction, by five in the 
afternoon, every piece was recovered. While engaged in the search, they found 
a piece of the false keel of the vessel, which had been broken off by her 
